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Francesco Molinari Wins The Claret Jug

Congratulations to Francesco Molinari on winning The Open! Image courtesy of TheOpen.com

Francesco Molinari is the first Italian to win The Open. How did he do it? With aggressive consistency. I talked about this for the last three days and Molinari showed that shooting steady golf, keeping the ball in play, and hitting it close when needed was the key to success. Because of this, he earned the title of Open Champion!

With 4 players finishing second, Molinari had the World’s best breathing down his neck for 18 holes. He proved why he is considered the hottest player in the world right now by shooting no worse than par all weekend. That stat alone was the deciding factor of why he won. He kept the ball in play and took advantage of shots when needed. The birdie on 18 to go to 8 under was the knockout punch for the field. His play was a textbook example of how to play elite golf.

I do have to give a shout-out to Justin Rose. His 64 on moving day followed up by 69 proved that in a Major no one is out of the hunt until the last putt sinks. I would say that, behind Molinari, he was the class of the field. He played better as the weekend progressed and that is what is required if anyone expects to be a Major Champion.

I ran a poll asking if one of the leaders after moving day would win the Claret Jug, and this is what you said:

Will the player at the top of the leaderboard at the end of moving day (3rd round) win the Claret Jug? #TheOpen#golf#golfchat

75% of the respondents were right. I, unfortunately, was not! With a 3-stroke lead, I thought that Spieth or Schauffele would hold on. But, the conditions were tough and Carnoustie bared its teeth. The wind definitely played a role in the collapse of many of the players throughout the afternoon.

This was the most exciting Major I have watched in a long time. It was anyone’s championship leading up to the final 4 holes. That is how the Majors should play out!

I also liked the commentators on The Open App. They were not intrusive but provided great commentary. They did mention that the USGA could take a page from the R&A’s book on setting up a Major. The suggested that the USGA should set up the course, and let the players fight out. The score does not matter! If a tough track like Carnoustie can change over 4 days, the players will adjust and the score will reflect it. I agree with the R&A.

I enjoyed The Open this year. It was great entertainment and I congratulate all the players for putting on a great show.

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6 thoughts on “Francesco Molinari Wins The Claret Jug”

Molinari was unbelievably steady, it was really impressive! I just love watching The Open because I think links golf is so fun and entertaining, and we don’t see it too often. I’m a little surprised Spieth didn’t give himself a chance in the end, although I seem to be noticing a trend with him recently. Hope you enjoyed the week and are feeling well.

Thanks for the kind words. I am getting to the end of treatments. Molinari did play well. Aggressively consistent. He was so mentally strong that nothing phased him. It was great to watch. Hope your game is going well. How are the metals going?

Jim, apparently Molinari started working with a sports psychologist just prior to his recent hot run. I want some of whatever he learned. A bit reminiscent of when Darren Clarke started working with Bob Rotella and went out and won The Open. The mental side does matter!
Brian

Ok my pick didn’t win,but being the good sport that I am (figure of speech not my talent) I am happy that someone from a country that has never won The Claret Jug, did so.He played well and he deserved it!
I was also pleased that the weather was pretty good for them and the spectators,wonders never cease.

I am happy for Francesco as well. He was the star of the field. A quiet star, but the best none the less. I had him as a fringe player, but did not select him in any of my golf pools. I will not better next time.